Maybe, as a NFO, I was looking for something a bit different than some. I had most my civ pilot ratings before I went into the Navy as a NFO. But being a stick monkey was not all I wanted out of aviation, NAVAIR or otherwise. I always just wanted to be a part of aviation, as many aspects as possible, not just driving or even in the cockpit. So, I took a more global view. And the Navy didn't disappoint. The War Hoover was my first choice. I preferred the home port options, the fact I got a tailhook, and we had to qualify in two positions in the aircraft and routinely switched between them. Never instructed, but was a fleet tactics eval, JFAC/ATO guy, TACRON bubba, and staff air officer for a 4 star. All of that was close enough to aviation to suit me. I bought my first plane as a LTjg after saving money on cruise. My 1946 Luscombe cost $7500.00. It was a hoot taking squadron pilots flying in a plane that had to be hand propped and never talk on the radio while flying all over San Diego exploiting every nook and cranny of the Class B. Most couldn't believe I knew what I was doing.
To me, the airline career isn't so much about flying, but just a different experience. It has gotten old. If it weren't for my other aviation avocations, like law enforcement flying ( not a pilot, but tactical flight officer) instructing aviation merit badge to scouts, giving Young Eagle rides through EAA, being in the leadership of a Army Aviation Heritage Foundation Chapter operating a AH-1 (again, I am not piloting), soon to be restoring a UH-1B Huey Gunship, and owning two planes (1954 Cessna -170B and another 1946 Luscombe ), I would be wholly unsatisfied. For me, it takes more than having been a NFO or B 737 Capt to satisfy my aviation bug.